5 Buffalo Bills with plenty to gain in training camp

With Buffalo Bills training camp getting closer, some players are looking to gain roles, roster spots, and starting jobs in Western New York.

As Buffalo Bills training camp nears, several players are looking to make the roster, upgrade their position on the depth chart, or solidify their starting status. Boasting one of the NFL’s most revamped rosters, Buffalo will have to make some sacrifices by way of previous impact players as well.

With players attempting to make the Bills’ 53-man roster, many have much to gain in training camp, starting July 25th. While incumbent starters can fall within this category — in an attempt to keep their jobs — this list is saved for either bench members, rookies, players coming off of injuries, or ones looking to prove themselves as valuable contributors.

Non-starters are looking to earn a starting job or bench role — which, logically, gives them the most to gain. With that said, here are five Bills looking to gain something in training camp, in turn, potentially altering their future with the team.

5. Siran Neal – S

With the recent retirement of Rafael Bush, the Bills’ safety group began to open up for the emergence of a rising player. Siran Neal, a fifth-round pick in 2018, appeared to be just that player. However, Buffalo didn’t rest on their laurels, as they immediately signed nine-year veteran Kurt Coleman to help negate the loss of Bush.

In all likelihood, Neal will be competing with Coleman to be the third safety on the roster, behind Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. In the modern NFL, the presence of that very backup safety is vital; as defenses have switched from four-man defensive back personnel to five or more to combat the rising occurrence of passing attacks and slot receivers.

Though inexperienced (15 career defensive snaps), Neal is one of the more likely candidates to win over the pivotal third safety spot — and it’s his to gain. However, with the addition of Coleman, and Jaquan Johnson and Dean Marlowe also competing for the spot, the going won’t be easy for Neal.

Neal can win the spot in training camp. Though Coleman has experience playing with the Bills’ coaching staff led by Sean McDermott, his deal — for just one year — doesn’t indicate that he’ll be in the long-term plans for Buffalo. He was an emergency signing. But Neal may be. While his resume isn’t particularly impressive, Neal is a feisty athlete that turned heads in OTAs for his work playing as a bigger slot defender.